Might as well get one of these official things started since the deadline is coming up.

Jack Johnson huh? No one likes him, no one wants him... what if he's not the target though, WHAT IF it's James Wisniewski that wants out? Would he screw the Pens cap situation and re-signing Letang? Who would go the other way? What would it take to make it work.

Pipe dreams I know but I do like The Wiz, at that price though I don't think it could work.

Pavel Bure wrote:Might as well get one of these official things started since the deadline is coming up.

Jack Johnson huh? No one likes him, no one wants him... what if he's not the target though, WHAT IF it's James Wisniewski that wants out? Would he screw the Pens cap situation and re-signing Letang? Who would go the other way? What would it take to make it work.

Pipe dreams I know but I do like The Wiz, at that price though I don't think it could work.

MOAR RUMORS!!!

I'm pretty sure RS leaked the J Johnson rumor as a way to tell Pens fans to sit and be quiet about our defense without directly coming out and saying it. You know, as in, be happy with what you have here, or else I'll bring in Jack Johnson and really give you something to complain about.

I can see Kennedy, Niskanin (as long as you get an upgrade back), Cooke and Despres (the center peice of any major deal) plus any of the young prospects pending on the return. Hate to see any other major peices going over there.

I don't see Jack Johnson being traded here. His cap hit and ability would not be a smart pick up.

I haven't heard anything lately, but it's worth mentioning the Sergei Gonchar rumors we heard a while back. At least he would solve our point man problems. But now that Karlsson is hurt, I don't know if they would still look to trade him.

I could see him signing a one year deal here next season, if Shero is still looking for a veteran D. Plus gotta keep Geno happy so he signs that long term deal this year.

Any major deal happening at the deadline will involve a top 4 defenceman and maybe in the same deal or a seperate deal a forward for Malkin and Neal. I get the feeling Sid is comfortable with the Kunitz and Dupuis.

no name wrote:Any major deal happening at the deadline will involve a top 4 defenceman and maybe in the same deal or a seperate deal a forward for Malkin and Neal. I get the feeling Sid is comfortable with the Kunitz and Dupuis.

I just don't see that top 4 guy being Jack Johnson.

The more I watch a healthy Neal/Malkin/Cooke and Kunitz/Crosby/Dupuis set of lines, I don't see a real pressing need for a top 6 wing pick-up. The two threats on each line along with a worker bee is a great make-up of a line.

The Pens needs are more for a physical wing or two to populate the bottom six and to help with the PK. The other glaring need is for a more dependable, stay-at-home and physical Dman.

Jack Johnson is not that.

Add to this the concept of the Salary Cap for next year and beyond, and you need to keep the list of targets to either cheap or UFA. The fact that Letang, Malkin, Kunitz and Sutter all need deals in the 2014-15 season adds some spice. It would not surprise me to see Letang traded at all, but that would be a block-buster for sure. More than likely he will be retained and Despres goes under the microscope along with Morrow as to whether they are ready replacements.

I would personally prefer 1st rounder and prospect (providing were talking about the usual suspects Morrow, Harrington Despres) go to someone that won't retire within the next two years. Yes, he may help this year, but if I had my choice I'd take a look at some other players that could be had at a lesser price.

It will be interesting to see who the sellers will be. Florida and Columbus look like their hopes of being in contention are slim to non, but most others are within 4 points of the 8 seed. With the shorten season everyone is clumped together by a couple of points. Would Calgary even move him if they are close to a playoff spot?

If Colorado starts to slide, what about Hedjuk as a cheaper veteran alternative to Iginla? Of course he would need to agree to it due to a NMC, but he has a 2mil cap hit. I just haven't seen Col play at all this year to know how he's keeping up. I think there might be some cheaper alternatives to Iginla that may be just effective. Whats the scouting report on Lee Stepniak? He's signed for 1 more year for 2.5 million. Not sure if he would help or not. Just trying to throw some 'other' names out there...